Charming Northeast Ohio Towns to Visit This Holiday Season🎄
As the holiday season approaches, the charm and warmth of Northeast Ohio's small towns beckon travelers and locals alike. With twinkling lights, festive events, and community spirit, these towns offer the perfect backdrop for creating lasting holiday memories.
This year, why not explore some of the hidden gems in Northeast Ohio’s Lake County? Here, we've curated a list of five enchanting towns in —Painesville, Madison Village, Willoughby, Fairport Harbor, and Kirtland—that are sure to delight visitors with their unique holiday offerings. Learn about the upcoming events in these Northeast Ohio towns and community tree lightings for 2024.
Painesville, OH: A Festive Wonderland
Nestled in Lake County, Painesville is a town where history meets holiday cheer. Known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, Painesville transforms into a festive wonderland every Holiday Season. The historic buildings, adorned with wreaths and garlands, provide a picturesque backdrop for the town’s holiday events.
Featured Holiday Events in Painesville
Painesville Holiday Shop & Stroll: Thursday, November 21 4PM-8pm
Kick off the season with this beloved event where local businesses open their doors for an evening of shopping, treats, and entertainment. The open house is a wonderful opportunity to support local artisans and shop owners while finding unique gifts for loved ones.
Painesville Spirit of the Season Tree Lighting: Friday, November 22 5 PM - 8 PM 🎄
The town square becomes a hub of kids holiday activities with Free experiences for everyone, featuring live performances, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Families can enjoy the festive atmosphere while Santa prepares to light up the city tree.
Santa in the Square: Every Weekend in December from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The big man in red will be in Painesville Square on weekends in December leading up to the big day. This is a FREE experience and open to all.
Where:
Downtown Painesville 186 Main St, Painesville, OH 44077 Get Directions
Where Locals Say to Stay:
Steele Mansion Inn & Gathering Pub
Address: 348 Mentor Ave, Painesville, OH 44077
Phone: (440) 639-7948
Madison Village, OH: A Cozy Holiday Retreat
Madison Village is a quaint town that exudes small-town charm year-round, but it truly comes alive during the holidays. Its picturesque Main Street and square are adorned with festive decorations that invite visitors to explore and enjoy.
Featured Holiday Events in Madison Village
Christmas in the Village Park: Saturday, December 7th at 2 PM
Step back in time with this event that includes carolers in period costumes, a holiday market, horse-drawn wagon rides, a chili cook off, and the annual Christmas parade. The celebration highlights the town's commitment to preserving its historical roots while embracing the holiday spirit.
Holiday Market: Saturday, December 7th 2 PM - 7:30 PM 🎄
Held during the Christmas in the Village Park, this outdoor market showcases the talents of local crafters and artisans. It's the perfect place to find handmade holiday decorations and gifts.
Where:
Madison Village Square: 52-76 OH-84, Madison, OH 44057 Directions
Where Locals Say to Stay:
Kirtland, OH: An Enchanting & Historic Town
Kirtland, OH, is an enchanting town during the holiday season, characterized by its charming atmosphere. Nestled in Lake County, the town offers a picturesque holiday experience with its scenic landscapes and warm community. Renowned for its historic sites and natural beauty, Kirtland serves as an ideal backdrop for festive celebrations.
Featured Holiday Events in Kirtland, OH
Lake Metroparks Farmpark Country Lights Drive-thru: Select Dates November 30th - December 29th
This magical experience allows visitors to enjoy a spectacular display of lights from the comfort of their vehicles, making it a delightful outing for all ages. The drive-thru features themed displays and festive music, ensuring a family-friendly experience that keeps everyone warm and entertained.
Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit, Christmas in Kirtland: December 1 - January 6
Annually in December, the Historic Kirtland Visitors Center exhibits hundreds of Nativities, drawing visitors from all of Ohio and beyond. These beautiful Nativities are made of traditional fabrics, glass porcelain, jewels, wood carvings, clay, and even bullet casings. Thousands of people from far and near come to the Historic Visitors' Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to view the Nativities on display.
Where Locals Say to Stay:
Tall Oaks Resort
Address: 348 Mentor Ave, Painesville, OH 44077
Phone: (440) 639-7948
Willoughby, OH: A Vibrant Holiday Experience
Visiting downtown Willoughby, OH during the Christmas holiday season is a truly enchanting experience that captures the essence of festive cheer. As you stroll through the town, you'll be greeted by the warm aroma of seasonal treats wafting from cozy cafes and bakeries. Local shops, adorned with holiday displays, offer a treasure trove of unique gifts and handcrafted items, perfect for last-minute shopping. Whether you're exploring with family or enjoying a romantic evening out, downtown Willoughby promises a memorable holiday experience for everyone.
Holiday Events in Willoughby
Holiday Lighting Ceremony: Thursday, December 5, 2024 7 PM 🎄
This annual event transforms the downtown area into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment and a visit from Santa. Many of the local shops extend their hours, providing ample opportunity to find the perfect holiday gifts.
Fairport Harbor, OH: Nautical Holiday Spirit
Fairport Harbor offers a unique holiday experience with its nautical theme. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, this town combines its maritime heritage with holiday festivities for a memorable visit. Shop the local boutiques along the historic brick sidewalks by day, or maybe bundle up and see the wintery shores of Lake Erie, or maybe take in the festive lights throughout the gazebo and park by night.
Featured Holiday Events in Fairport Harbor
Harbor Holidays and a Day with the Grinch: Saturday, December 7, 2024 🎄
This event is a must-see, featuring village-wide specials from local shops and businesses, tours of the historic Fairport Harbor Lighthouse & Museum, and you can’t miss the reading from the Grinch himself from above. Enjoy guided golf cart tours, festive music, local food and drink specials and holiday crafts perfect for families.
Are you interested in joining our list? Email elyse@tourlakecounty.com to learn more about how to partner with Tour Lake County!